How to Fix Common Door Repair Problems
Many door problems can be fixed easily particularly if the work is performed by you. Sometimes, a project isn't feasible without help.
A door that is stuck could be due to the hinges not tight enough or too loose. If the problem persists you may have to plane or sand the latch side of your door.
Check the Door
Many homeowners clean out their yards and check their doors as the weather cools. The annual inspection should not only check for signs of damage, but also identify areas that aren't working as they should.
Find corrosion and rust on door hardware, such as hinges, and on the frame. Examine for broken or damaged weather stripping. This will prevent drafts from entering the home and prevent air leaks that can reduce a home's energy efficiency.
Also, take note of whether any doors are sticking, particularly following a wind storm. A stickier door is harder to open and close, which increases wear each time it's used and could result in more expensive repairs later on. This problem can be caused when the wood of the door becomes swelling due to humidity. A simple test with an hygrometer can help pinpoint the source of this issue.
If your door is swelling, then you can use a screwdriver for tightening the hinge screws. If the problem persists then you should try shimming the hinges or even replace them completely.
It's crucial to inspect the door for cosmetic damages. While minor dents and scratches are to be expected but any damage that wasn't there before should also be repaired.
It is possible to repair a major door crack. However cracks in wood should be filled in and painted as soon as possible to avoid further issues. Wood rot must be replaced to ensure the strength of the structure. If you notice structural issues that are significant to a door, it is recommended to call a certified door system technician to evaluate and repair any damage that may be required.
Close the Hinges
It's common for hinge screws on doors to loosen as time passes however if you leave them in place for too long, it could cause damage to the hinge and the holes in the screws to become stripped. The screws can be tightened manually or with the power drill. Be careful not to bend the hinge and then remove the pins.
Find the points of friction first, and then decide what you'll do. If the door rubs against the top or drags, you can countersink a long screw into the latch side of hinge (the side that is connected to the strike plate). This will increase the gap, and in most cases, solve the problem.
A more drastic approach is to simply take out the hinge pins and then hammer them out so that they're more spread apart, which will also solve the issue. However, this isn't recommended since it could damage the hinge and should only be done when the door isn't shut properly.
A hole that is stripped of screws, or a sagging doorframe, can also cause the screw to not tighten. In this case, insert an apron (or match) coated with carpenter's glue in the screw hole. Let it dry before you can reattach your hinge. This will fill the hole and reinforce the area so that the screw will be able to hold the screw. Repeat as needed for any screw holes that don't tighten. Then close the door and test to see if it now shuts properly. If not, you'll need to continue troubleshooting the issue. It is recommended to start with the simplest fixes first and only do more complicated repairs if necessary.
Shim the Hinges
Shimming hinges can be utilized to assist in keeping the door straight when the gap between the jamb and the door is too large (a condition known as toe-in). This can be accomplished by placing a small wedge of wood or cardboard under the hinge on the jamb side and adding one or more thin wooden shims between the hinge and the door frame. The shims push the hinge leaf away from the frame, closing the gap and getting rid of the bind that created the problem.
This technique can be a bit tricky however if you're careful you can get the job done without causing damage to the hinge or the door. Shimming is most effective if the screws already in place are removed from each hinge first (Knowledge: How to Remove the Pin from the Door Hinge). This could require prying the door off its hinges to avoid unscrewing them.
Once the hinges have been shifted and the door is closed, you'll have to shut and open the door a few times to ensure that they're operating properly. If the door still sticks it is possible to add shims to seal the gap between the door and hinge.
Another way to fix the binding hinge is by making the mortise larger, which can be done by scraping out the hole with an axe and then filling it with wood putty. Make sure to polish and sand the putty prior to placing it on the hinge to match the frame's rest. This isn't as accurate as shmming but it's an easy fix for an out-of-alignment hinge. It's also less damaging than trying to fix the door.
Draw in the Jamb
If your door is still bound after tightening the hinges and shifting the hinges, you could have an issue with the jamb out of line. This can be resolved by gently tapping wooden shims at the latch side to the frame between the jambs and the wall. Take measurements of the shims with a carpenter’s square, and then move them around the frame to make sure that it is level.
After you've shimmied the door frame you can tighten screws that hold the strikeplate to the latch side, to keep it from hitting the latch. You can either make use of a manual Phillips screwdriver or a drill, depending on the severity of damage.
Sometimes, nicks, dents and gouges within the frame could cause it to be bowed against the door. If it's only a few minor dents, you can smooth the surface with wood filler that matches the color of the trim around the door and then sand it down before painting or staining. If the dents are more extensive they may require you to replace the damaged section of the jamb.
If your door is still stuck after filling, sanding and refining the frame, it might be time to remove the entire door and start from scratch. It's best if you can afford to purchase new parts and do it right however, sometimes you'll be able to save the door by working on small portions of the frame, without completely eliminating it. Be sure not to compromise the integrity of the remainder of the frame, especially if you're dealing with wood that's been exposed to humidity over the course of time.
Adjust the Strike Plate
The strike plate keeps the door in the closed position by locking the door bolt. In repairing upvc windows could become unbalanced. If the latch does not fit into the strikeplate, it won't close, which can lead burglaries and door kick-ins. A quick fix for this is to simply tighten the screws that support the strike plate. If this doesn't help you, try shredding or adding wood filler to the hinges.
Apply a stripe of lipstick or other marking substance on the latch prior to adjusting strike plate. Close the door and open it. If the lipstick marks suggest that the latch is touching above or below the hole of the strike plate, the problem may be with the hinges.
If the marks indicate that the latch is resting too high or low in the strike plate hole, then use a small piece of cardboard that fits into the hinge mortise, and then replace the hinge. This will often fix the problem, in the event that it's caused by sunken or receding hinges. It also makes it easier to create an attractive repair.
To adjust the strike plate, take it from the door jamb and then make use of a file to increase the hole in the jamb that the strike plate goes. A half-round filing is ideal, as it matches the curvature of the hole for the strike plate. Close the door, install the strikeplate and check if it is now able to clear the strike plate hole correctly. If the latch is not clearing the hole then use a chisel reshape the area of the jamb that is in contact with the strike plate.